The New England Patriots already parted ways with one legend last month with six-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick leaving the team, and it looks like the team is now parting ways with a legendary player, as well.
For the past 16 years, Matthew Slater has been a consistent star for the New England Patriots on special teams, earning first-team All-Pro accolades five times and 10 trips to the Pro Bowl. But on Tuesday morning, he announced that he was ending his football career.
“In 2008, I came here as a young man with hopes and dreams. In 2024, I can retire knowing this experience has exceeded any hope or dream I ever had,” Slater said in his retirement announcement.
“Pats Nation, it has been an honor to represent the silver, red, white, and blue for 16 years. Thank you for cheering, challenging and supporting our team each and every year. To the people of New England, thank you for welcoming my family and me into your community and allowing us to call New England home. We are beyond humbled and blessed. You the fans make an NFL player’s experience what it is. Thank you for supporting not only me but our great game.”
Obviously, this is some pretty significant news, and the NFL world had a lot to say about it on social media.
An amazing human!! Elite on and off the field! Def made me a better player and person. Excited to see what’s next for you. https://t.co/v8HPcC0Y4e
— Kyle Van Noy (@KVN_03) February 20, 2024
Matthew Slater was the epitome of what you look for in a player.
He’s deserving of a spot one day in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. https://t.co/NZYinYCtED
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) February 20, 2024
The end of a legendary career: https://t.co/kw98NU50rU
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 20, 2024
there are truly not enough words to convey the love we all have for this man. if anyone ever has deserved to be called “the perfect patriot,” it’s #18.
thank you, slate. ❤️ https://t.co/PAPOlAo70j
— brianna pirre (@bsp_13) February 20, 2024
Congratulations to our own Matthew Slater on a legendary career! 🫡 #BruinForLife https://t.co/UxoLuigu5X
— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) February 20, 2024
https://twittetr.com/JasonMcCourty/status/1759974907482435924?s=20
It was certainly quite a career for Slater.
